Thrive at UoB: the wellbeing benefits of social gardening
Two questions: Do you struggle with social isolation, low self-esteem or low mood? Have you heard of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH)?
Meet Thrive – a gardening for health charity with 40 years’ experience delivering STH programmes. We’re so pleased to have them join us at UoB! The Thrive team is incredibly friendly and passionate about helping you improve your wellbeing through connecting with nature.
If you feel as though you’re struggling to cope, Thrive can help you (quite literally) thrive during your time at university.
Thrive’s Grow Well Programme
Thrive run two small group sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 13:30-15:30, which take place at the Wellbeing Lodge - or indoors at Winterbourne if the weather is particularly British!
You’ll work with an experienced STH Practitioner and a Thrive-trained volunteer on different seasonal gardening activities, such as:
- Seed sowing and growing
- Making bouquets and wreaths
- Growing microgreens
- Learning how to care for houseplants
You can take part in Grow Well sessions no matter your experience; the team are happy to guide you and share their knowledge with you.
Benefits of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH)
There has been much research demonstrating the positive impacts of community gardening on our physical and mental wellbeing:
- Improved social skills and social connections
- Reduced stress, depression and anxiety
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- A sense of enjoyment, achievement and fulfilment
- Quiet time for reflection and unwinding
- A chance to learn new skills and knowledge
- Physical activity can improve strength and dexterity
Gardening can be as active or gentle as you need it to be, and the team will adapt all activities to suit your needs. With a shared activity and Thrive’s supportive, low-pressure environment, you can meet other students with similar experiences as you, have positive social interactions and build your confidence over time.
People who have taken part in similar programmes have reported positive outcomes:
- 94% said it had made them happier or improved their mental well-being
- 94% said they had socialised more with others
- 88% said it increased or restored their confidence
- 88% said it had improved their physical health
Could Thrive be for you?
Thrive is open to all students, undergraduate and postgraduate, UK and international. You might find it particularly helpful if you:
- Are neurodivergent
- Need adjustments because of physical health conditions, sensory impairments or long-term health conditions
- Have some mental health difficulties
- Are lonely or feeling isolated
The Thrive community is friendly, inclusive and approachable. All are welcome whether you’re new to gardening or have green fingers already!
How to take part
To join the Grow Well programme you’ll need to complete Thrive’s enrolment form and they’ll get back to you.
At your first session, the team will ask you to complete a few short forms to check in on your mental wellbeing – this is simply to help them understand your needs and how to support you better.
All the information you share with Thrive is treated confidentially and will not impact your academic record.
So, if you’re curious about gardening to support your wellbeing and meet people, Thrive could be a great place to start.
Find out more about Thrive.